Through a dynamic partnership with global business management consulting and accounting firm EY (formerly Ernst & Young), the State University of New York at Albany (UAlbany) is equipping students with critical skills and real-world experience in cybersecurity, business, and professional development.
One of the key initiatives is the EY Trajectory Program, a semester-long experiential-learning course where students work alongside EY professionals and UAlbany faculty in information security risk consulting. Designed to diversify the talent pool and prepare students for careers in cyber risk, incident response, and forensics consulting, the program is housed within the Massry School of Business Forensics, Analytics, Complexity, Energy and Transportation Security (FACETS) Center.
Students from various disciplines, including business, cybersecurity, informatics, and computer science, can apply to the program. Each semester, approximately 30 participants engage in a structured process that involves analyzing a case, conducting risk assessments, and presenting their findings to EY partners and UAlbany faculty. The program fosters self-directed learning and professional skill development while helping EY identify top talent.
Beyond the Trajectory Program, EY has long supported UAlbany students through various initiatives. The EY Leadership Education in Accounting and Diversity (EY LEADs) Program helps retain underrepresented students in accounting by providing academic and career support. Participants receive mentorship, resume-building EY and UAlbany Partner to Develop Future Business Leaders By Erik Cliburn assistance, and financial aid, including scholarships for demonstrated leadership and engagement.
“The EY LEADs Program has proven to be one of the most successful EY-UAlbany collaborations in terms of providing pathways for students from historically underrepresented groups to pursue careers in business,” interim dean of the Massry School of Business, Kevin Williams, PhD, said in a press release.
In addition to professional development, EY has played a significant role in financially supporting students at UAlbany. The firm has contributed to the UAlbany Student Emergency Fund—which assists those facing financial hardships—by matching new donations up to $25,000.
The firm’s involvement also extends to fostering career readiness. EY alumni frequently mentor students, host receptions, and sponsor events such as the junior accounting orientation. They have funded a virtual mock interview system, Big Interview, to help students refine their professional skills. Additionally, the firm offers virtual internships and supports the EY Intern Scholarship Fund, providing needs-based awards to those participating in EY internships.
Another initiative fostering early engagement is the EY-sponsored World of Business Living-Learning Community, designed for first-year students interested in business, marketing, and finance. Participants live together, take courses as a cohort, and attend career-focused sessions with EY professionals and faculty. This helps them build connections and develop career-oriented skills from the outset of their college experience.
The collaborations between EY and UAlbany continue to expand, with ongoing work on grants, research, and internship opportunities. This robust partnership has contributed to UAlbany’s recognition as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and Cyber Research.
